Abstract: A communication system and method of communicating are provided. The communication system includes an intercom unit having a housing, a plurality of lights attached to the housing, a speaker connected to the housing, a microphone connected to the housing and an activator connected to the housing and configured to activate the microphone. The system further includes a controller configured to communicate with the intercom unit and at least one additional intercom unit. A method of communicating includes sending an audio signal over an intercom system wherein the intercom system, comprises a plurality of intercom units having a plurality of signal lights connecting the signal lights to sensors associated with the equipment that is not associated with the intercom system and configuring the signal lights to indicate operating characteristics of the equipment and controlling the intercom system with the controller.

Abstract: A programmable event driver/interface can respond to external inputs. A combined hardware/software interface allows for direct communication with individual annunciators and dynamic grouping of annunciators by zone. Events originating outside the system can be looked for at a selectable rate, announced, and monitored as separate annunciator operations.